Small plots of land fuel big suspicions among Lubbock residents, who fear it’s for a data center
Lubbock residents are actively opposing potential data center developments, leading to a petition for an 18-month moratorium and confrontational city council meetings. The City Council approved land rezoning and annexation, which residents fear is for data centers, despite official denials. Separately, a partnership between LEDA and data center company CORVA for a small data center was revealed.
Lubbock, Texas, is experiencing heightened tensions between residents and city leaders over proposed land developments, which residents suspect are intended for data centers. The Lubbock City Council recently approved the annexation of an 8-acre tract and the rezoning of 52 acres from residential to industrial, actions requested by the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA).
Community activists and residents, including Phyllis Gant, have voiced strong opposition, threatening recalls against city leaders. They initiated a petition for an 18-month data center moratorium, which Mayor Mark McBrayer has indicated the council would not support. Despite officials like John Osborne, LEDA's president, denying that the specific parcels are suitable or intended for data centers, residents remain skeptical, with Stephen Sanders, a petition organizer, suggesting LEDA will seek data center permits immediately following the approvals.
Adding to the complexities, a local news station revealed a previously unannounced partnership between LEDA and data center company CORVA for "Project Infrared," a 50,000-square-foot inference data center planned for East Lubbock. Osborne confirmed this project is separate from the contentious rezoning cases and is contingent on an interconnect with ERCOT through Lubbock Power and Light.
LEDA maintains its focus is on attracting manufacturers requiring rail service, which it considers the "highest and best use" for the properties, aiming to increase the city's tax base while being mindful of local resources like water and electricity. However, residents are undeterred, viewing Tuesday's council meeting as a revelation of LEDA's and city leaders' operations, asserting their petition remains a viable path to halt large-scale hyperscale data center projects.